Panasonic GX7 is a 16MP Mirrorless with In-Body Stabilization and a Tiltable EVF

Panasonic has officially announced the GX7, a sleek new high-end mirrorless camera with some features that are being introduced for the first time in a Panasonic mirrorless camera, including in-body image stabilization and a tiltable electronic viewfinder.

Inside the magnesium alloy frame is a 16-megapixel Four Thirds sensor with a maximum ISO of 25600. Panasonic says its new sensor technology achieves 10% higher sensitivity and 10% better resolution than the camera’s predecessor, the Panasonic GX1.

There’s also a new in-body Image Stabilizer that’s “nearly as effective” as the optical image stabilization found in some of Panasonic’s lenses.

Panasonic developed a new 16.00-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor for LUMIX GX7 that achieves both high resolution and high sensitivity image recording with minimum noise by utilizing cutting-edge Semiconductor Fine Technology to improve color saturation by approx. 10% and a redesigned on-chip lens that enhances light condensation to achieve approx. 10% higher sensitivity. Noise generation is minimized in both pixel circuit and digital signal readout circuit for better S/N ratio by approx. 25% and detail reproduction by approx.10% compared to the LUMIX DMC-GX1, making it possible to capture clear images even in low lit situations. The image processor Venus Engine features advanced noise reduction systems, including Multi-process NR (Noise Reduction) and Detail Reproduction Filter Process, which enhances the limit resolution. The combination of the digital Live MOS Sensor and the Venus Engine achieves max. ISO 25,600.

Photographers who value speed will be happy to know that the GX7 is snappy in a number of ways: it has a startup time of just 0.5 seconds, a continuous shooting speed of 5 fps, and an autofocus tracking system that can capture moving subjects in focus at 4.3fps.

One of the interesting features of the camera is its integrated Live View Finder (LVF) electronic viewfinder. It’s a 2.76-million-dot 100%-coverage display that can tilt up 90 degrees. This allows you to look down into the viewfinder while the camera is pointed ahead at your subject or scene.

Another neat feature is the Silent Mode, which instantly turns your camera into a stealth shooting machine by using the electronic shutter rather than the manual, turning off system sounds, and killing the AF assist lamp and built-in flash. This can come in a pinch when you’re in those quiet situations in which you’d rather not attract attention to yourself or your camera.

Often find yourself using manual focus? You’ll be happy to know that the GX7 comes with a Focus Peaking feature to help you focus on what you want to.

The GX7 is also a well-connected camera, featuring Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless data transfers and sharing your shots with friends and family across the world and Web.

Other features include HD video recording in full HD (AVCHD Progressive and stereo MP4), 24p video recording for a “cinema feel”, 22 filter effects, Creative Panorama, Time Lapse, Stop Motion, and Clear Retouch.

Panasonic will be shipping the GX7 starting this November at a price of $999 for the body only or $1,099 when bundled with a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.